João Pedro’s Sensational Debut
New signing João Pedro stole the show in his first start for Chelsea, scoring both goals:
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18th minute: Capitalised on a loose clearance to curl a stunning strike into the top corner from the edge of the box—his first official Chelsea goal—and immediately gestured in respect to his former club, avoiding celebration.
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56th minute: Joined an open counter-attack, receiving a pass from Enzo Fernández before driving forward and unleashing a thunderbolt that rattled the underside of the bar .
His debut brace earned him praise from fans and teammates alike, with coach Enzo Maresca visibly impressed.
Chelsea’s Commanding Performance
Under the stewardship of Maresca, Chelsea dominated possession and tempo throughout:
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Fluminense struggled to break down a disciplined Blues defence.
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A disallowed penalty and late Fluminense attempts couldn’t turn the tide.
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Even amid concerns like Moisés Caicedo’s slight ankle twist, Chelsea maintained control until the final whistle.
Final on the Horizon
Chelsea now await the winner of the PSG vs Real Madrid fixture. With a final set for Sunday, July 13, the Blues are one step away from their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup crown .
Key Takeaways
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João Pedro completed an emotional debut with a stunning brace, just days after his £60m transfer from Brighton.
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Tactical discipline and efficient transitions under Maresca secured a confident win.
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The victory confirms Chelsea’s place in the global spotlight, poised to challenge Europe's elite on Sunday.